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“I’m the best player in the world.” This is what LeBron James said at the post game press conference after the fifth game of the 2015 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. I don’t think there is any question about the validity of his comment after what he accomplished in the series. When you…

I recently read an article addressing high school basketball players in Philadelphia. It stated that the mainstream media concentrates only on the players who don’t qualify for college academically. It then went on to talk about four recent college basketball players from Philly high schools who earned their college degrees and asked why doesn’t the…

On April 14th, 1926 God gave us a gift — and what an incredible gift it was. Other than our parents, Coach Gordie Gillespie may have been the most important and the most influential person in the lives of the 4 to 5,000 athletes who played for him. No one will ever figure out…

Frank Kaminsky just completed a great year for the University of Wisconsin’s basketball team, culminating with the most prestigious award college basketball gives – The Naismith Award for the college-player-of-the-year. Throughout the year, his play demonstrated four characteristics that leaders may want to consider. Unselfishness. Frank was willing to pass up shots or go one-on-one…

Vince Lombardi had definitive ideas about commitment when he wrote: “Total commitment means 100% effort, 100% of the time, no loafing, no idling, no standing around, no goofing off, no phoning in sick.” “When we make a commitment, in essence, we’re making a decision to do something. Now, the Latin root for decision is to…

We lost a sports icon earlier this year in Ernie Banks. As I listened to the speakers at his funeral service, I reflected on an evening where I sat next to him at a banquet. Four things stood out in our conversation that night. Optimism Ernie was known for his perpetual optimism, both in baseball…

You know you have achieved when you are known only by your first name. In basketball circles, if you say “Dean,” everyone knows you are talking about Dean Smith, the Hall of Fame North Carolina coach, who passed away on February 7th, 2015. He was a basketball coaching giant whom I had the pleasure of…

Golfer Padraig Harrington recently said, “Statistics are often used as a drunk uses a street light – for support rather than illumination.” Benjamin Disraeli, former prime minister of England, wrote, “There are three kinds of lies: little lies, big lies, and statistics.” I do believe there is some truth in what both of these men…

Do you trust people when you meet them? Or do you make them prove themselves to be trustworthy until you grant them your trust? Which of the two do you lead with? I befriended two pretty famous people years ago who were in the national spotlight and they had diametrically opposite philosophies on this question…

Recently, a baseball scout was a part of a panel on ESPN’s Outside The Lines program and he made a statement that reminded me of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger from the movie “Rudy.” The scout said, “Baseball is a failure game.” I have never heard baseball described as a “failure game,” but it sure makes sense.…

“I have had the honor of listening to Pat Sullivan talk and to travel with Pat and speak with him. The one thing that is certain every time he speaks is that I learn something about leadership, honor, and how to live life properly from him. He is a remarkable speaker and man.” read more

Joe GuraTeacher, Head Basketball Coach Joliet Catholic Academy

“Coach Pat Sullivan is one of the most dynamic speakers I have heard. Coach Sullivan’s talks are always very well organized and engaging. No matter how many times I have heard Coach Sullivan talk, I always leave having learned something new. Coach Sullivan’s explains leadership in a way that all can understand and practice in everyday life. I constantly find myself applying Coach Sullivan’s concepts in teaching, coaching, and all aspects of my life.” read more

Tim TrendelHead Basketball Coach Providence Catholic High School

“Pat Sullivan is clearly one of the most interesting and engaging speakers you will hear. Pat blends personal stories of people he has either researched or met to demonstrate concrete principles we can all use to enhance our capacity to lead. There are so few authentic, selfless leaders today. Pat Sullivan is one of those and his stories and living example will motivate you toward that end.” read more

Frank PalmasaniAuthor – College Counselor

“I have known Pat Sullivan for the past 48 years. He is without question one the finest public speakers I have encountered in my 37 years in education. He has spoken at our graduations, clinics, and athletic fund raisers. As one principal who attended our most recent event and heard Pat speak stated: “Every educator in the nation needs to listen to his message.” Pat spoke at our conference leadership seminar which had 16 schools and over 300 students attending. The students were enraptured by his talk on “Leadership.” Pat is truly a phenomenal speaker, leader, and mentor.” read more

Randy StelterDirector of Athletics
Wheeler High School
Valparaiso, IN

“Pat’s enthusiasm and spirited way of getting his message across bridges many demographic groups. The care he takes to understand his audience underscores his unique ability to reach the many who come to hear him speak.”

“It is clear that when you hear Pat speak his thoughts come from the heart….sincere and genuine …sharing his life leadership experiences so that others will grow and benefit from them”. read more

Dr. Frank WyrostekProfessor of Finance University of St. Francis

“I have had the opportunity to hear from many motivational speakers in my professional career. None have spoken with the conviction and passion of Pat Sullivan. This is because he is speaking from decades of practical experience with students and athletes. He is very giving with his life’s experiences all, for the benefit of young people and fellow professionals alike.” read more

“I have had the honor of listening to Pat Sullivan talk and to travel with Pat and speak with him. The one thing that is certain every time he speaks is that I learn something about leadership, honor, and how to live life properly from him. He is a remarkable speaker and man.” read more

Joe GuraTeacher, Head Basketball Coach Joliet Catholic Academy

“Coach Pat Sullivan is one of the most dynamic speakers I have heard. Coach Sullivan’s talks are always very well organized and engaging. No matter how many times I have heard Coach Sullivan talk, I always leave having learned something new. Coach Sullivan’s explains leadership in a way that all can understand and practice in everyday life. I constantly find myself applying Coach Sullivan’s concepts in teaching, coaching, and all aspects of my life.” read more

Tim TrendelHead Basketball Coach Providence Catholic High School

“Pat Sullivan is clearly one of the most interesting and engaging speakers you will hear. Pat blends personal stories of people he has either researched or met to demonstrate concrete principles we can all use to enhance our capacity to lead. There are so few authentic, selfless leaders today. Pat Sullivan is one of those and his stories and living example will motivate you toward that end.” read more

Frank PalmasaniAuthor – College Counselor

“I have known Pat Sullivan for the past 48 years. He is without question one the finest public speakers I have encountered in my 37 years in education. He has spoken at our graduations, clinics, and athletic fund raisers. As one principal who attended our most recent event and heard Pat speak stated: “Every educator in the nation needs to listen to his message.” Pat spoke at our conference leadership seminar which had 16 schools and over 300 students attending. The students were enraptured by his talk on “Leadership.” Pat is truly a phenomenal speaker, leader, and mentor.” read more

Randy StelterDirector of Athletics
Wheeler High School
Valparaiso, IN

“Pat’s enthusiasm and spirited way of getting his message across bridges many demographic groups. The care he takes to understand his audience underscores his unique ability to reach the many who come to hear him speak.”

“It is clear that when you hear Pat speak his thoughts come from the heart….sincere and genuine …sharing his life leadership experiences so that others will grow and benefit from them”. read more

Dr. Frank WyrostekProfessor of Finance University of St. Francis

“I have had the opportunity to hear from many motivational speakers in my professional career. None have spoken with the conviction and passion of Pat Sullivan. This is because he is speaking from decades of practical experience with students and athletes. He is very giving with his life’s experiences all, for the benefit of young people and fellow professionals alike.” read more